Questions That Make Witnesses Think

The Power of a Good Question

Jehovah's Witnesses are trained to answer objections and counter arguments. They have studied responses to common challenges and can deflect direct attacks on their beliefs. But they are often less prepared for thoughtful questions—questions that cause them to think rather than recite memorized answers.

Jesus frequently used questions in His ministry. When challenged about paying taxes, He asked, "Whose image is on this coin?" When the Pharisees questioned His authority, He countered with a question about John's baptism. Questions engage the mind, bypass defenses, and plant seeds that continue growing long after the conversation ends.

This lesson provides you with strategic questions to use in conversations with Jehovah's Witnesses. These aren't "gotcha" questions designed to embarrass but thoughtful inquiries designed to help them examine their beliefs in light of Scripture and reason.

Questions About Assurance of Salvation

The lack of assurance is one of the most significant differences between biblical Christianity and Watchtower theology. These questions highlight this gap.

"Do you know for certain that you will live forever?"

The honest answer for any Jehovah's Witness is "no." They're taught that no one can be certain—salvation depends on remaining faithful until the end. This creates constant anxiety.

Follow-up: "That's interesting, because 1 John 5:13 says, 'I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.' Why do you think John said we can know if it's actually impossible to know?"

"How many hours of field service would be enough?"

Witnesses track their hours of door-to-door work. Ask them: how many hours per month would be enough to satisfy God? They cannot answer, because there is no "enough." This reveals the exhausting nature of works-based religion.

Follow-up: "Jesus said, 'Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.' Does your faith give you rest, or does it make you weary?"

"If you died tonight, what would determine whether you're saved?"

This cuts to the heart of the Gospel. Their answer will likely involve their faithfulness, their works, and their loyalty to the organization. Compare this with the biblical answer: the finished work of Christ received by faith.

Questions About the Organization

The Watchtower organization claims to be God's sole channel of truth on earth. These questions examine that claim.

"Has the Watchtower ever taught something that later turned out to be wrong?"

The honest answer is yes—many times. The Watchtower has changed positions on blood transfusions, organ transplants, the identity of the "superior authorities" (Romans 13), and countless other issues. If they admit this, ask:

Follow-up: "If the organization has been wrong before, how do you know it's not wrong about something important right now? How would you even know if it were wrong?"

"What happens if you disagree with something the Governing Body teaches?"

The answer is troubling: expressing disagreement can lead to being disfellowshipped. This reveals the organization's control. Ask:

Follow-up: "The Bereans in Acts 17:11 were praised for examining the Scriptures to see if what Paul taught was true. Are you allowed to examine what the Governing Body teaches the same way?"

"Where was Jehovah's organization before 1879?"

The Watchtower was founded by Charles Taze Russell in 1879. If it's God's sole channel of truth, what happened for the previous 1,800+ years? Were all Christians lost?

Follow-up: "Jesus said the gates of hell would not prevail against His church. Was there no true church for eighteen centuries?"

Questions About Jesus

The identity of Christ is the central issue. These questions raise problems with the Watchtower's view that Jesus is Michael the Archangel.

"In John 20:28, Thomas says to Jesus, 'My Lord and my God.' Why didn't Jesus correct him?"

When people tried to worship angels (Revelation 22:8-9) or Peter (Acts 10:25-26), they were immediately corrected. But Jesus accepts Thomas's worship and pronounces blessing on those who believe likewise. Why?

"The Watchtower says Jesus is Michael the Archangel. Can you show me that in the Bible?"

There is no verse that says "Jesus is Michael" or "Michael became Jesus." The Watchtower infers this connection, but it's not stated in Scripture. Meanwhile, Hebrews 1:5 says God never said to any angel, "You are my Son."

Follow-up: "Hebrews 1:6 says all the angels worship the Son. If Jesus is an angel, is He worshiping Himself?"

"In Isaiah 44:24, Jehovah says He created all things 'by myself' and 'alone.' How does this fit with Jesus being a created being who then created everything else?"

The Watchtower teaches that Jehovah created Jesus, then Jesus created everything else. But Isaiah says Jehovah created alone, by Himself. Either Isaiah is wrong, or Jesus is Jehovah.

Questions About the Bible

The New World Translation contains alterations that support Watchtower theology. These questions address translation issues.

"Why does the NWT translate theos as 'a god' in John 1:1c but not in other places where the article is also absent?"

The Watchtower claims that because the Greek word for God (theos) lacks the definite article in John 1:1c, it should be "a god." But theos lacks the article in many other verses (John 1:6, 12, 13, 18) where the NWT still translates it as "God." Why the inconsistency?

"Why does the NWT add the word 'other' four times in Colossians 1:16-17 when it's not in the Greek?"

The NWT inserts "[other]" to make it say Jesus created all "other" things (implying He was created first). The brackets acknowledge the word isn't in the original. Why add words to God's Word?

"Have you ever compared the NWT with other translations or the original Greek?"

Many Witnesses have never done this. Encouraging them to compare translations can open their eyes to problematic renderings in the NWT.

Questions About Failed Prophecies

The Watchtower has made numerous predictions that failed. This is relevant because Deuteronomy 18:20-22 says a prophet whose predictions fail is not from God.

"What was supposed to happen in 1914? Did it happen?"

The Watchtower originally predicted that Armageddon would occur in 1914. When it didn't, they reinterpreted the date to mean Christ began ruling invisibly in heaven. Ask: "If I predict something will happen, and then when it doesn't, I say it happened invisibly—how would you evaluate my prophecy?"

"The Watchtower taught that the generation alive in 1914 would not pass away before Armageddon. That generation has passed. What does this mean?"

For decades, this "1914 generation" teaching was central to Watchtower urgency. When that generation died, the teaching was changed. How many core teachings can change before you question the source?

"Deuteronomy 18:22 says if a prophet's prediction doesn't come true, the prophet is not from God. How do you apply this to the Watchtower's failed predictions?"

This is a direct question that forces them to reconcile Scripture with the organization's track record.

Questions About Shunning

The practice of shunning disfellowshipped members—including family—is one of the most painful aspects of Watchtower life.

"If your child was disfellowshipped, would you be required to shun them?"

This is a deeply personal question that exposes the cruelty of the shunning policy. Many Witnesses are uncomfortable with this practice but feel trapped.

"Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors. Why does the organization forbid eating with former members?"

The Watchtower's strict shunning goes beyond what Scripture commands (which addresses unrepentant people in the church, not former members) and contradicts Jesus's example of pursuing the lost.

"Have you ever had to shun someone you love? How did that feel?"

This personal question may open up pain they've suppressed. Be prepared to listen with compassion. Many Witnesses carry deep grief over severed relationships.

How to Use These Questions

Don't Rapid-Fire

Pick one or two questions that seem most relevant to the conversation. Don't bombard them with a list. Let each question breathe; give them time to think and respond.

Listen to Their Answers

When you ask a question, actually listen to the response. Don't just wait for your turn to make your next point. Their answers reveal what they believe and where they might be struggling.

Follow Up Based on Their Response

The follow-up questions provided are suggestions. The actual conversation may go in different directions. Be flexible and follow the Holy Spirit's leading.

Be Okay with "I Don't Know"

If they say, "I don't know" or "I'll have to research that," consider it a success. You've given them something to think about. They may go home and actually research it—and what they find may surprise them.

Combine Questions with Your Testimony

Questions work well alongside your personal testimony. Ask about their assurance, then share your own. Ask about their exhaustion from field service, then share about the rest you've found in Christ.

Conclusion: Planting Seeds of Doubt

These questions plant seeds of doubt—not doubt in God, but doubt in the organization that claims to speak for God. Many ex-Jehovah's Witnesses report that their journey out began with a single question they couldn't answer, a single inconsistency they couldn't ignore.

You may never see the fruit of your questions. The Witness at your door may seem unmoved. But hours, days, or years later, that question may resurface. The Holy Spirit may use it to begin unraveling the web of Watchtower control.

Plant seeds faithfully. Water with prayer. Trust God with the harvest.